Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) has been recognised nationally for its response to devastating flooding which struck Monmouth in November 2025.

The crew took home the ‘Here Where it Matters Most: Compassionate Communication’ award at the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) Cymru Good Practice Awards 2026.

This award recognises the support MHA staff provided to residents during one of the most significant flooding events the town has experienced in recent years. The flooding, caused by Storm Claudia, hit Monmouth in the early hours of the morning on Saturday 15th November, with river levels reported to be 18 times higher than normal levels. Thousands across the town were affected, with many residents forced to leave their homes with little warning after the flood water surged through the area at around 1am.

By 8am that morning, MHA had assembled an incident response team to support those affected by the flooding. Working alongside Monmouth Rescue Centre and Monmouthshire County Council, staff provided face-to-face support and practical assistance during their own time, throughout the weekend. This included arranging emergency accommodation, helping residents access medication, clothing and food and supporting with contacting family members.

The support and resident-focused approach recognised by this award was experienced first-hand by Mr and Mrs Barnikles, who were among the MHA tenants affected by the flooding. After being forced to leave their home, the couple were moved to temporary accommodation in Abergavenny. Since then, they have received ongoing support from MHA as they work towards returning home.

Margaret Barnikles, said: "What can I say? MHA have been fantastic. We couldn't ask for more.“I didn't think a landlord could do everything they have done for us. I can't praise the staff at MHA highly enough - they are first class."

Head of Neighbourhoods at MHA and part of the incident response team, Clayton Charles, said: “We are extremely proud to be recognised by TPAS Cymru for the commitment and care our staff showed in ensuring tenants were safe, supported, and had somewhere to go during what was a devastating time.“

I would also like to acknowledge the tenants who were affected. The resilience and dignity they have shown has enabled us to work together through a very difficult period.“

We also recognise that for some residents the impact continues, with people still displaced and waiting to return home, and our focus remains on supporting them every step of the way.”

MHA own more than 3,745 homes, across rural Monmouthshire and have ambitious plans to expand its geographical reach and build more homes across South Wales.

Their customers and their family of over 250 staff are at the heart of everything they do, and they consistently achieve one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in this sector in Wales.

MHA was created in 2008 to take on the properties previously owned and managed by Monmouthshire County Council. They are registered as a charitable social landlord under the Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.